How to Prepare for and Respond to a School Shooter Situation
Facing the possibility of a school shooter situation is terrifying for parents, teachers, and students alike. While we hope such events never happen, being prepared, knowing what to do, and staying calm can make the difference between safety and tragedy.
Understanding the Risks
Active shooter situations in schools are said to be rare but is that true? Statistically, yes, they are rare, the chances of your student’s school becoming the victim of such is still quite low. However, since that means there is still a chance, then we’re not viewing this as an impossible situation. Which means we will be preparing for it just like everything else.
Immediate Response: Run, Hide, Fight
The goal is to stay aware, act quickly, and minimize danger.
Run: Evacuate the area if it is safe. Know exits and leave belongings behind.
Hide: Lock doors, silence phones, barricade with furniture if necessary.
Fight: As a last resort, use improvised tools and work together to disable the threat.
Meet With Staff
Some schools aren’t prepared to perform drills, have these important talks with the students, or even admit that this threat is out there. But, as parent’s it’s our job to, well, parent. Let’s make sure those schools have a plan in place, and let’s make sure that plan is sound.
Planning Ahead
Identify safe zones in classrooms, hallways, and cafeterias. Teach children drills in an age-appropriate manner. Schools should establish clear communication plans and ensure everyone knows the procedures. But, if they aren’t, then as the parent we will step in and do so.
Side note: most states require us to have our children in school (unless we have become exempt from homeschooling or other such measures.) Since we’re required to send them to these buildings for the better part of a day, it is our job to make these buildings as safe as we possibly can for our children!
Mental Preparedness & Training
Stay calm under pressure. Yes, we know this sounds ridiculous, but remember, we’re learning to train our mindset learning how to stay calm under pressure. We offer a free exercise on our site to help with this. In staying calm, we also will know how to call 911 and listen carefully to law enforcement instructions. Believe it or not, people can forget those 3 little numbers and freeze up!
Tools and Supplies
Consider phone apps, for your student(s). The biggest safety precaution we’re going to suggest here are, bullet-resistant bookbags, are still a bit controversial. But, for many parents it falls into a “rather have and not need, versus, need but not have” column. These bags can be packed with first-aid such as bandages and whistles that can save a life during such a crisis.
Closing & Encouragement
Being prepared increases safety, as a parent, approaching schools first can encourage open communication with children and administrators alike. Practice drills, passing around materials to bring awareness, and just speaking to the children can build confidence and ensure your family and school community are ready for emergencies.
Preparation is empowerment.
Resources & Tools for Families
Equip your student(s) and/or yourself with practical tools for this type of emergency. Here are some things we discussed:
Coming soon: Free Downloadable Resource: School Safety Quick Reference
Special note: we are soul sick of families having to bury their beautiful children because of senseless gun violence.
the 2025-2026 school year has only just begun, and already we’re filled with the news of this terrible happening. We at ST Michigan know that ‘thoughts and prayers’ are a small comfort, but we’re sending them. If there is a way to donate, we will be doing that too.
We must stop burying our youth to senseless violence!
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